Mining complaints via new app to receive feedback within three days - ministry

Complaints filed by residents in mining communities through the new mobile application will be recorded within 24 hours and receive feedback within three days, under timelines set by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining.

The Mining Matters application was officially introduced on Tuesday at the Wembley Centre of Excellence in Clarendon, the ministry said in a statement on Thursday. It was led by the Mines and Geology Division.

The app, described as a first-of-its-kind initiative, was developed by the ministry and its partners to allow citizens to report concerns, highlight violations, or commend responsible operators within Jamaica’s mining industry.

Speaking at the launch, Portfolio Minister Floyd Green underscored the need to balance economic benefits from mining with environmental protection and community well-being.

“Today’s launch of the Mining Matters app strengthens our ability to achieve that balance,” he said. “It represents a modern, practical tool, where residents in communities can download an application, putting at their fingertips the ability to report any infractions they observe. This gives citizens a stronger voice, a stronger role, in ensuring that our mining and quarrying activities are conducted responsibly.”

Green added that the application introduces a structured system for managing complaints, supported by established timelines.

“We have standard operating procedures. Once the report is lodged, it will be recorded within 24 hours, and feedback will be provided within three days. There are other operating procedures in relation to the investigation and what happens next, so your complaints are now time-bound,” Green highlighted.

He said the platform would also improve evidence-based reporting, making it easier for complaints to be identified, investigated and addressed.

The minister positioned the app as part of a broader effort to build what he described as a people-centred mining sector, noting ongoing efforts to revamp and strengthen Jamaica’s Bauxite Community Councils.

Green described the councils as being “critical in the operations of our companies and in their relationships with communities.”

“Where you have a strong community council, you normally find good relationships because the community members hold the companies to account,” he said.

He disclosed that the Jamaica Bauxite Institute has conducted an audit of all Bauxite Community Councils and will collaborate with the Social Development Commission to introduce new members.

“We are going to be on a mission to keep these community meetings in the bauxite communities, to have the community members choose their representatives, the people they want to speak on behalf of their community, and to reconstitute a number of our community councils,” Green explained.

He added that Members of Parliament should form part of the councils to ensure alignment among stakeholders on mining-related matters.

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